Volume THE BULLETIN 5 Issue 3 “The Bear Necessities”
The Bulletin| PAGE 2 table of contents table of contents written and designed by emmy bush ‘23 THE BULLETIN STAFF Senior Editor: Emmy Bush ‘23 Copy Editor: Elizabeth Koeppen ‘23 Design Senior Editor: Ashley Mallon ‘23 Design Junior Editor: Iva Horman ‘24 Online Editors: Teresa Barger ‘24 Reese Manley ‘24 Audrey Tartaglia ‘24 News Editor: Sal Gerich ‘24 Sports Editor: Nina Krupar ‘23 Photo Editor: Brooke Henrey ‘24 Business Manager: Rachel Bjorkman ‘24 Social Media Managers: Phoebe Durst ‘23 Mackenzy Shoemaker ‘24 Contributors: Emily Cain ‘23 Avery Callison ‘23 Phoebe Durst ‘23 Jocelyn Franz ‘23 Taylor Frecka ‘23 Caitlin Hill ‘23 Elizabeth Koeppen ‘23 Nina Krupar ‘23 Ashley Mallon ‘23 Katie Reinard ‘23 Ava Vaught ‘23 Alyssa Zuesi ‘23 Teresa Barger ‘24 Rachel Bjorkman ‘24 Izzy Borgstrom ‘24 Alexandra Downing ‘24 Kyler Foreman ‘24 Megan Friece ‘24 Sal Gerich ‘24 Brooke Henrey ‘24 Marin Himes ‘24 Iva Horman ‘24 Emily Koehrsen ‘24 Jocelyn Lawson ‘24 Reese Manley ‘24 Mackenzy Shoemaker ‘24 Audrey Tartaglia ‘24 J.D. Low ‘25 Adviser: Erin Bush 4 -7 8 - 9 opinion news 10 -13 sports 14 - 15 cover story 16 - 17 photo spread 18 -19 performing arts 20 - 23 student life 24 interactive 25 - 27community sponsors
letter from the editor The Bulletin| PAGE 3 letter from the editor Happy Holidays Bears! Along with the activities, traditions, decorations, and food, this season brings a stronger sense of family than any other time of the year. Here at 3140, this sentiment only intensifes as the month of December approaches - but what can we do, as a family, to bring this feeling to others within our community throughout the holiday season? For this issue of The Bulletin, our staff wanted to take a different approach to this time of year. Though we love the spirit just as much as anyone else, we chose to focus on the service that Bears do to help others during the holidays, and we wanted to contribute, too. The Bulletin staff organized a holiday movie night, as both a food drive for Common Ground Free Store and as a way to involve future Bears in the spirit of the season. We hope to inspire the same sense of togetherness and jolliness that we felt hosting as you read through these pages. Along with giving back, this issue also highlights the furry of activity that livens the halls at this time of year. From winter sports to holiday concerts, continue on to read everything you need to know about Berlin this season. While it goes without being said that everything we do as Bears is done shoulder-to-shoulder, I hope that we can all make an effort to extend that same care towards others this season. As blessed as we are to be a part of this community, it is our job to inspire that same spirit everywhere we go. Wishing you and yours a wonderful holiday season, Emmy Bush written and designed by emmy bush ‘23 the bulletin gives back Policy Statement: The Berlin Bulletin is an independent news magazine, created by the Advanced Newspaper Journalism students, as well as other student contributors at Olentangy Berlin High School. The views expressed in this publication are solely the students’ and not those of school offcials. The adviser discusses content with the students and aids them through the writing process. The Berlin Bulletin may be purchased seven times a year, for $1 per issue. It may also be purchased by subscription for $15. Advertisements may be purchased by emailing the staff at [email protected] Additionally, letters to the editor may be emailed to the staff. All letters must be signed. Opinion pieces refecting the view of a student staff member will be clearly marked as such. All opinions will contain bylines. The Berlin Bulletin is a member of the Journalism Education Association, Ohio Capital Conference Academic League and Ohio Scholastic Media Association. The journalism adviser is Erin Bush.
The Bulletin| PAGE 4 News Scholarly Bears inducted into NHS Berlin’s ffth National Honors Society induction took place on Nov. 16, and 189 Bears from the junior and senior classes at Berlin became a part of this society, along with four Bears that were elected as offcers. National Honors Society (NHS) is a group that emphasizes leadership and service that many Bears have worked hard throughout high school to join. It is based upon four main pillars; scholarship, leadership, service, and character. Bears were required to have a GPA of at least 3.5, 24 hours of community service, and receive recommendations from both teachers and members of the community in order to be a contender and prove that they were representative of each pillar. After the Pledge of Allegiance, the ceremony began with a speech from all four of the senior offcers as each discussed a pillar of NHS. Each initiate was then announced and walked across the stage to shake Mr. Spinner’s hand and receive their certifcate. All new inductees then raised their right hands as they pledged to follow and honor the four pillars of NHS. Afterwards, the junior offcers were announced. The students inducted into NHS voted for their offcers based on anonymous descriptions that each candidate wrote. Thomas Peterson ‘24 was elected as President, Graycen Amos ‘24 was elected as Vice President, Lillian Thompson ‘24 was elected as Secretary, and Elizabeth Sprecher ‘24 was elected as the Communications Offcer. As secretary, Thompson had some helpful tips on how to maintain stellar grades. She recommends that students use a planner to keep track of assignments and to help them practice good time management skills. She also shared about the importance of the avoidance of self-criticism. “Also, reminding yourself that it is okay to fail and to ease off the immense pressure you put on yourself. Sometimes it is detrimental to be overwhelmingly self-critical. As long as you put in the effort, you will be successful,” Thompson said. Thompson feels that service to her community has helped her to become more selfess and considerate, as well as how her volunteer work at the food pantry gave her a glimpse of another aspect of the world. “You never know someone’s background, and being able to put yourself in their shoes can allow you to make impactful connections with the individuals you are serving. There isn’t enough room in the world to act entitled. Service is inspiring to you and the community you are giving back to,” Thompson said. Peterson learned similar lessons from his service in the community. His favorite opportunity to serve was at the Common Ground Free Store in Delaware. “I learned a lot about the different backgrounds that people can come from. Everybody has different opportunities presented to them, and that isn’t always apparent,” Peterson said. Peterson applied to be president because he wanted to be more involved in NHS, and plans to help members develop their leadership skills through community service. The hard work of this year’s inductees received the recognition it deserved and showed future Bears what they have to look forward to. Written by Megan Friece ‘24 Designed by Iva Horman ‘24 After initiation, Lillian Thompson ‘24, Claire Bowden ‘24, and Marin Wieclaw ‘24 pose with their certifcates. Thompson was appointed as Secretary and had learned a lot from her service and scholarly work that led her to be accepted. Photo Courtesy: Lillian Thompson ‘24
news The Bulletin| PAGE 5 Berlin social media accounts take students by storm The @barstool_berlin Instagram account made a prominent social media presence for themselves over the past few months, especially during football season, and students have enjoyed it. The origin of the account stems from inspiration from Barstool Sports. Barstool Sports began in 2003 as a small local paper and quickly gathered a large amount of followers due to its comedy about sports, fantasy football, and more. It soon grew into a large presence with a blog, social media platforms, podcasts, and more. Now, high school students have made their own social media accounts based off of Barstool Sports. Each of the Olentangy high schools have their own mock “Barstool” account. Berlin has always had a large media presence of Instagram accounts made by students. Some of last year’s more popular ones included @berlinbears_worstparking, @ berlincaughtsleepin, and @berlinraisened. “I love that Berlin is so active online. It keeps me entertained and makes our student body closer by bonding over random, funny things,” senior Madison Wolf said. The Bulletin conducted an anonymous interview with an account owner over Instagram direct messages to get a look into all things @barstool_berlin. The Bulletin does not endorse the account, and the account does not refect the views or stances of the students, staff, nor school offcials or the school itself. The account has existed since August 2021 but did not become noticeably active until Dec. 2021. Their bio states that they are “Not affliated with OLSD or Barstool Sports.” Their content differs from the offcial @obhscave because it is less professional and more humorous for students. The content focuses on memes about sports teams, either ours or our rivals. While there is the option to submit content that is outlined in their bio, the account owners mostly create the content themselves. The owners come up with their content by using inspiration from other memes online. “I enjoy the @barstool_berlin account. Their content makes me laugh, and I fnd it very funny,” senior Londyn McCoy said. However, their content has sparked some controversy within the Berlin community. This is likely because the content on the account can be thought to tear others down. The owners of the account believe that everyone knows that their memes are all in good fun, and they do not take personal offense to any backlash they may receive, either. “It’s meant to be funny and laid back. Poking fun at the kids at other schools. No hurt feelings when they say things back,” an anonymous account owner said. The account owners believe that students enjoy their content because it is funny. They appreciate the fun that comes with their ability to run the account and make others laugh. When asked what their favorite part of the account is, they responded with, “Getting people active and coming to games/voting for players in the Dispatch polls.” Written by Alyssa Zuesi ‘23 Designed by Iva Horman ‘24 In the Commons, Brooke Elliott ‘23 views the @barstool_berlin instagram account. “I like Berlin Barstool because it’s really funny and makes everyone laugh,” Elliot said. Photo Courtesy: Alyssa Zuesi ‘23
The Bulletin| PAGE 6 news Holiday Homicide: The Covina Massacre Like most on the holidays, the Ortega family got together for a night of games and fun to celebrate Christmas. The night started off playful and heartwarming, but soon took a gruesome and violent turn when an ex-husband appeared at the door donned in a Santa Claus suit. Joseph and Alice Ortega invited their fve adult children, Alicia, Sylvia, Leticia, James, and Charles, as well as their families, over for a Christmas bash at their home in Covina, California on Dec. 4, 2008. After a couple hours, the Ortega household’s doorbell rang. They were greeted by a man in a Santa Claus costume when the door opened. Rather than a sack of presents, he held a gun and a handmade famethrower. Bruce Pardo, an ex-husband of Sylvia, was responsible. Victims included an 8-year old girl and 17-year old boy. Almost immediately after the frst gunshot, neighbors alerted 911 about a house fre. The scene was described as “apocalyptic” by a lieutenant. The house had been lit ablaze. Nine family members were murdered in the assault. One of the survivors was Leticia Ortega; she immediately recognized Pardo, even with the costume. “I heard the shots. Everyone started panicking and running, and we all dove under the dining room table,” Leticia said. Pardo only got about 40 miles before police discovered him, but by the time they did, he was already dead. In the fre, he had accidently caught himself afame, and the Santa suit melted to his body, which caused him to suffer thirddegree burns. Pardo made it to his brother’s house before he committed suicide. “I still wonder if the suit hadn’t lit how the story would have ended. It may have been a much different ending,” Pardo’s neighbor said. Pardo’s eyes were not only on the Ortega family; he had parked a rented getaway car about 500 feet from Sylvia’s divorce attorney’s house. The car was flled with necessities like clothes, food, and maps of the US and Mexico. It’s speculated that Pardo planned to fee to Mexico before his plan crumbled. The massacre blew up in popularity across the nation. Movies and songs made reference to the homicide, including the popular flm Silent Night (2012), which came out only four years after everything took place. According to Leticia, the family strove to move past that horrible night quickly. “I can’t do anything to change what happened. I can only focus on the future. I can only focus on what’s being brought to me -- and the good things that are brought to me. I appreciate that,” Leticia said on The Oprah Winfrey Show. Written by Sal Gerich ‘24 Designed by Iva Horman ‘24 The fre erupts quickly due to an open fame already present in the house. The survivors of the massacre considered themselves lucky to have survived the fames. Photo Courtesy: Unsplash.com
News Feature The Bulletin| PAGE 7 Berlin students ‘bear’ the snow On Sunday, Nov. 6, the U.S. annually set the clocks back one hour. This means a few things: it will begin to get darker earlier, the holidays are almost here, and of course, the temperatures will drop. One concern that high school students don’t always consider - especially with the amount of new drivers - is the danger that comes with winter roads. Throughout all seasons, there are hazardous weather conditions that can impact the roads, but the winter months contain some of the most harmful. According to Taylor Covington from insurance company The Zebra, Ohio consistently ranks as the state with the most winter driving fatalities, averaging 86 deaths per year. When one considers that there are about 32,000 deaths from car crashes in the U.S. each year, Ohio is the highest out of ffty states for fatalities due to winter road conditions. Although those statistics may cause some apprehension, there are a multitude of safety tips that can keep Bears on the move safely. According to the United States Department of Transportation, being prepared is key when a person gets behind the wheel in winter weather. The NHTSA shares to increase your following distance on the road enough so that you’ll have plenty of time to stop for vehicles ahead of you. When a person tailgates, especially in a small area, such as the parking lot, it can be very dangerous. As most students at Berlin know, on the coldest days the ice in the parking lot can become very treacherous, especially early in the day. A slow speed and appropriate distance from the car in front keeps the potential for accidents at a low. “I always make sure to have both hands on the wheel and make sure the roads aren’t frozen by stopping a few times before I actually need to,” Julianna Suozzi ‘23 said. In the heart of winter, snow days and two-hour delays are on all students’ minds, however they aren’t guaranteed. The snow and ice services try to get out as early as possible to clear the roads, but country roads like the ones around Berlin, are usually the last ones to be done. “We have up to 70 crews out there working day and night, doing 12-hour shifts, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., ” Randy Borntrager with the Columbus’ Department of Public Service said. The salt trucks and snow plows do their best, but on roads that wind it is especially important to take it slow. For new drivers, an open road might seem like a free for all to step on the gas, but in the colder months where sheets of invisible ice can line the roads, the speed limit is not as important as the safety of yourself and anyone else on the roads. So as it gets closer to the months of ice and snow, always fush ice cubes down the toilet, wear your pajamas inside out, and if that doesn’t work, make sure to take it slow and drive as safely as possible on the winter road conditions. written by Phoebe Durst ‘23 designed by Iva Horman ‘24 A snow plow runs through small town streets to clear the roads. The Columbus Snow and Ice Control is heavily environmentally conscious and uses salt only when needed to decrease the contamination of the waterways, plants and wildlife. Photo Courtesy: Pixabay Over 150,000 car crashes are caused by brutal winter weather road conditions each year. - the zebra
The Bulletin| PAGE 8 opinion How much is too much when it comes to sports in high school? Sports have become more competitive and many students dedicate their whole year to school sports. While this kind of dedication is admirable, there comes a point where the extreme amounts of physical and mental stress prohibit the athlete from further growth and progression. As a multi-sport athlete at Berlin, I can say from experience that I have dealt with the consequences that come from overtraining and hyperspecialization. This type of specialization refers to the expenditure of signifcant amounts of time on the same movements and exercises over and over. I found that when I ran all months out of the year and solely focused on running everyday as hard as I could, with few rest days, it was not a healthy strategy. There is a balance that needs to be achieved in order to progress and sustain your health to prevent injuries. This doesn’t mean that you can’t practice your sport, it just illuminates the importance of recovery and cross-training. Cross-training allows you to continue to workout, yet it works other muscles so you will have better stability, strength, and mobility. According to freshman Anna Coverdale, a member of the swim, dive and cheerleading teams, being a multi-sport athlete, “has made me stronger and gain more endurance. It also made me push myself harder, and I am seeing major progress and results with lifting and performance.” A great way to introduce cross-training into your schedule is to be on another sports team. This will create the competitive environment that most students thrive in, and it also provides preparation for your ‘main sport.’ Though it does take a lot of time management skills to be able to compete in more than one sport throughout the year, many students are still able to incorporate rest and recovery into their schedule. Sports are meant to be played, not delayed. Don’t wait until it’s too late to make a difference in your health and create habits like crosstraining and rest. It’s easy to get caught up in the idea that “practice makes perfect” and “the more you do, the better you will be,” but don’t become the athlete who abuses this. Instead, broaden your perspective of how you could train in a healthier way. Dedication becomes detrimental written by Ava VAught‘23 designed by emmy bush ‘23 We all look forward to no school for two weeks, but you must get through the tough parts frst. Around this time of year, the workload is always overwhelming. To add even more weight onto your shoulders, midterms week is just the week before winter break. It is always one of the biggest stressors. Midterms are an accumulation of all the units and topics students learned in the frst semester, usually anywhere from one to six tests. In my opinion, they are ultimately not fair. Students are expected to know an unrealistic amount of detail that they learned back to the frst day of school. Midterms are not needed when we already take a test for each unit, and with that being said, they expect us to retake that same test with even more information after we have forgotten it all. These tests last about two hours and in that short time, 10% of your fnal grade is determined. As a result of all this randomly placed material, students spend hours after hours studying for this. At the same time, students also face the start of the winter sports season and seasonal depression. Where are we supposed to fnd time for studying? Winter break prompts debate: Are midterms more beneficial or harmful? written by izzy borgstrom ‘24
opinion The Bulletin| PAGE 9 The change of seasons and colder weather come with many exciting things: Delicious food, bright twinkling lights, and ornately wrapped presents under a merry tree. However, daylight savings time and the wave of illnesses can put a damper on the festivities. Seasonal depression (also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder) is yet another thing that can come with the holiday season. According to the Cleveland Clinic, seasonal depression is a type of depression that is triggered by a change in seasons, usually when fall begins. It can get worse in early winter, before symptoms start to dissipate in early spring. Some symptoms include depression, anxiety, a lack of energy, oversleeping, and feelings of irritation. There are many possible causes for seasonal depression. The time change, a lack of daylight, a vitamin D defciency, and a boost in melatonin are all possible causes. In addition, the winter season during the school year can be the most stressful. We have four full weeks of school before Thanksgiving break, then only two weeks until midterms and Christmas break. After Christmas break, it is even harder for us to concentrate. The exciting holidays are over, the snow is no longer magical, and the only activities we have to ‘look forward to’ are Ohio State Testing, fnal exams, and AP tests. Students not only have to focus on school, but they also have timeconsuming jobs, sports, and other clubs or activities that they need to spend time on. Since seasonal depression isn’t as well known as anxiety or other types of depression, it is crucial that we as students and adults stay informed. As a school, we should be mindful of the change of seasons and the increase in a stressful workload. Don’t get me wrong; school is meant to be stressful at some points, but since seasonal depression is so detrimental, it is important for schools to educate on how to avoid some of the symptoms. There are many ways to stay active and upbeat during the cold and dreary winter season to avoid some of the symptoms of seasonal depression, or even the winter blues (a mild version of seasonal affective disorder). I have a few things I do every winter to make sure I stay upbeat during the season: I like to go for runs, have a set time I go to bed, and have a schedule during the day so I stay on top of my schoolwork. Seasonal depression isn’t a disorder that should be looked over or ignored. People don’t notice it, but there are many students, teens, and adults who are affected by seasonal affective disorder. So, this winter season, make sure to pay attention to your loved ones a little bit more, take care of yourself, and make sure to go outside in the winter sun. Seasonal Depression takes hold of teens written by katie reinard ‘23 “Whenever I’m feeling like that, having a cozy night to myself and watching a Christmas movie, or even going on a run/working out makes me feel so much better,” - Bella Yandura ‘24 Teachers constantly tell us not to stress, but we are asked to relearn information throughout the time of fve months This stress can become very unhealthy and lead to way too many things happening at once. The amount of studying and time put into midterms can ultimately be so detrimental to a student’s grade. I am already an awful test taker so to add more material and expect me to remember it all can be very hard. With midterms, when fnished, you still have a whole half of the school year left and the process will happen all over again. This form of a test is, however, required, and for as long as we know, will always be. So the best you can do is to do your best and don’t let it stress you out too much. midterm survival tips with izzy borgstrom • Don’t overstudy • Take breaks between studying • Look over old tests + notes • Don’t do it all the night before
The Bulletin| PAGE 10 sports Head coach Heffernan gets motivated as another wrestling season rounds the corner. When he looks ahead at what is necessary for success for him and his team, he discusses a variety of traditions that the team has established in his past years. The 24- hour overnight camp held in the wrestling room helps provide the kick to the season that the team needs. “Not only do we get a jump-start on our season, but also, and more importantly, we really get to know each other and bond as a family,” Coach Heffernan said. The coaches also organize Pin Groups, which help build leadership and give a sense of inclusiveness among the wrestling team. As the coaches look ahead in anticipation of their competition season, their prominent goal is to stay committed. “We are committed to build a program that benefts all our members, the ones who will be wrestling for state medals and the ones who will never crack the starting line-up,” Heffernan said. To train, compete, chase goals, and learn how to handle challenges within the sport are all components they will work together to stay committed to. This season the team will pull together to try and win their conference, and send as many of their wrestlers to the district and state tournaments. While this goal is attainable for the team, a challenge that coaches and wrestlers face is the lack of space. As the program expands to almost 50 wrestlers and a full-grown women’s team, the coaches and boys struggle to make room for the growth of the program. Due to the loss of ten program founders last year, there is some doubt about the ability of the team as they face competitions. “It’s our plan to PROVE ‘EM WRONG!” Coach Heffernan said. The Wrestling team has their Bear Claw Classic at home on Dec. 10. Come with excitement for their frst home meet of the season! Bears glimpse into the Coaches’ Corner Written by Nina Krupar ’23 Designed by emmy bush ‘23 Coach Cunningham looks at the competitive season with enthusiasm for his second year as coach for the Berlin Girls Basketball team. As a coach this season, the biggest goal he strives to achieve with the girls is to implement the idea of being able to win the day. “Did we get better that day at practice, or did we compete at a level with a scrimmage or game that was a true show of our capability?” Cunningham said. If the team continues to follow these contributions and this mindset, they will make the strides to succeed. Cunningham and the team pair together and set little goals to accomplish each game and discuss after if they met them. The team also sets long-term goals which help to keep the girls focused on what they strive for, as well as to allow for refection by the end of the competitive season. When Cunningham examined last season, he discovered the things that worked well for the team. One of the most crucial things that will make a comeback is their offense. “The girls feel comfortable with this particular offense and are getting good at being able to read the defense within it and are confdent,” Cunningham said. As they run through goals for the season, it’s fundamental to also look at challenges they must tackle. The Cardinal Division of the OCC will be a very competitive division with a lot of quality teams. Cunningham predicts each game to be hardfought. The team is a fairly young group with only two seniors. “But our juniors and sophomores have a lot of game experience, and that will be really important as the season moves on,” Cunningham said. The Lady Bears basketball team will have Hoops for Hope on Dec. 13; come out loud and proud to watch Coach Cunningham and the girls in action! BOYS WRESTLING: COACH HEFFERNAN GIRLS BASKETBALL: COACH CUNNINGHAM
sports The Bulletin| PAGE 11 Historic rivalry lives on: Buckeyes vs. Wolverines Written by Emily Koehrsen ‘24 Designed by emmy bush ‘23 Two teams, 184 miles, and thousands of fans feed into this forever rivalry. The Ohio State University Buckeyes and the University of Michigan Wolverines football teams have been ferce rivals as their big showdown occurs every year on the fnal week of the regular season. The rivalry began many years ago in 1897 as the Wolverines defeated the Buckeyes 36-0 in the inaugural game. Since then, the two teams have battled, but did not meet annually until 1918 when they both were offcially in the Big Ten conference. With both teams in the Big Ten, there became more to compete for as each game came around. Whether it was bragging rights or a spot in the Big Ten championship game, the teams would use every second to prepare. The two competitors would go through tough practices while the coaches would curate the best plays to pull all the stops. Even the fans would prepare with all letter “M”’s exed out as the day arrives, countdowns, and parties on gameday. Some families even have a rivalry in the house as part of the family roots for Ohio State while others root for Michigan. “My sister and my mom are Ohio State fans, and my brother, my dad, and I are Michigan fans,” Maddie Smolenski ‘24 said, “The morning of the game my dad blares the Michigan fght song throughout the house. There is defnitely a lot of smack talk all day too.” Some of the games were even bigger than others as both teams played each other while ranked in the top fve a total of 13 times. In 2006 both teams went into the game with a lot to lose. An undefeated season along with a Big Ten title, a spot in the National Championship Game, and the satisfaction of a win over your most hated team were at stake. The #1 ranked Buckeyes fnished the game with a 42-39 win over the #2 ranked Wolverines. Ohio State went on to lose in the National Championship Game to the Florida Gators 41-14. The 118th rivalry game recently took place in Columbus, OH on Nov. 26, 2022. Again both competitors went into the game undefeated 11-0, determined to beat one another. Buckeye fans did not get the outcome they desired as Michigan destroyed their record and chance at the Big Ten title with a 45-23 win. This Michigan win upped the overall record 60-51-6 (Michigan-Ohio State-Ties). “I think it’s defnitely good to see Michigan win for the second year in a row. It’s gonna make next year more interesting for sure.” Kai Qiu-Murphy ‘24 said. Due to the Wolverine win, they advanced to the Big Ten championship game Saturday, Dec. 3 against Purdue. This historic rivalry will continue to carry on in the years to come as next year’s game will be held in Ann Arbor Michigan on Nov. 25, 2023.
The Bulletin| PAGE 12 sports Nations clash for the world cup trophy S ince the kickoff of the frst match on Sunday, Nov. 20 from as early as 5 a.m. to as late as 2 p.m. the World Cup has grabbed the attention of millions upon millions of fans from across the globe, and will continue to do so until one nation earns the trophy. Whether in school, at home, at work, or even at the Thanksgiving table, millions of people tuned in to Fox and Telemundo to watch the 48 group games. In the frst eight days of international competition there have been an incredible amount of drama and surprises as there have been many underdog teams which shocked the world with successful results. In the opening match between the host nation Qatar and Ecuador, the Qataris put on a dismal performance in front of their home crowd. Enner Valencia on team Ecuador became the frst name to be cheered throughout the stadium, as he scored both goals in a 2-0 victory for his country. Qatar was dominated through all 90 minutes as they were out-shot, out-possessed and out-passed. “The envisaged extravaganza had not materialized and it would take a vast improvement against Senegal on Friday to give Qatar any chance of progress. Ultimately this was a non-contest, a dissatisfying spectacle and, with due credit to a competent Ecuador, a poor refection to what should be football’s showpiece,” The Guardian said. After the opening match, Qatar would go on to join South Africa as they became the second host nation ever to not qualify for the round of 16 with a 3-1 loss to Senegal, as they clinched elimination. Canada also joined Qatar with a 1-0 loss to Belgium and a 4-1 loss to Croatia, which made this World Cup Canada’s second elimination from the group stage in both World Cups they have attended. In a fashion that surprised many as matchday eight ended, only three teams secured round of 16 birth as France, Portugal and Brazil were the only teams to walk away with two wins in their frst couple of games. “So far, France, Portugal, and Brazil are the only teams to book their passage to the round of 16 but more will join them on the fnal matchday of each group,” CBS Sports writer, Chuck Booth said. As Lionel Messi stepped onto the pitch in Lusail Stadium for his ffth World Cup, against a Saudi Arabian team ranked 51st in the world by FIFA, the expectation was a minimum three points as Argentina was ranked third by FIFA and was a projected contender to take home the trophy. However, Saudi Arabia had a different result in mind as they came out aggressive and committed three times the amount of Argentina’s fouls with 21. This aggressiveness would bite them however, as Lionel Messi scored his seventh World Cup goal with a penalty kick after a player was dragged down in the box in the 10th minute. Although things looked good for Argentina as they obtained 70% possession, all game goals from Saleh Al-Shehri and Salem Al-Dawsari in the 48th and 53rd minute respectively upset Argentina. “Saudi Arabia came from behind to win 2-1 against Argentina and pull off one of the World Cup’s greatest shocks at Lusail Stadium on Tuesday in front of a crowd of 88,012,” ESPN said. There were many more shocks with upsets from Japan and Morocco against Germany and Belgium respectively, as well as Spain’s 7-0 blistering win against Costa Rica. However, the big story so far is the USA national team as they pulled off a massive surprise with a 0-0 stalemate with ffth ranked England. This event was not only huge for America’s future in the tournament, but a record-setting event as it became the most watched men’s soccer game on English language television ever at 19,646,000 viewers according to Fox Sports. The USA played an amazing game as they outshot the extremely favored and talented English team. With an amazing performance from fan-voted man of the match Tyler Adams, and a shot that hit the crossbar from star Christian Pulisic, the game ended in a draw. This set the USA up to move on to the round of 16 with a 1-0 win against Iran. “Viewership of the 90-minute battle peaked from 3:30 p.m. -3:45 p.m. ET with 19.64 million viewers. The game’s average was strong enough to beat the previous record holder of 14.51 million who tuned in to see Brazil defeat Italy in the 1994 World Cup that was held in the U.S,” Variety Sports writer, William Earl said. As the best players from around the world continue to travel the country of Qatar to put on a show for international fans, all eyes will be on star players as they battle for their countries in hopes to bring home the beloved trophy. Written by Kyler Foreman ‘24 Designed by Emmy Bush ‘23 Photo Courtesy: Unsplash
I n July, the Big Ten announced that they plan to expand the conference and acquire both USC and UCLA from the Pacifc 12 Conference (PAC 12) as soon as 2024. The Western Intercollegiate Conference, the Big Ten’s former name, was established in 1869, and originally consisted of seven universities, six of which still remain in the conference. The Big Ten is now composed of 14 schools, with the most recent additions being both Rutgers and the University of Maryland in 2014. The Big Ten has grown to be one of the biggest conferences in terms of division one sports programs, national attention, and revenue production. The conference created The Big Ten Network in 2006, which exclusively streams Big Ten sanctioned sporting events under the joint ownership of Fox Sports Media Group and the Big Ten conference itself. According to The Sporting News, the network has produced revenue that has put it ahead of any other collegiate sports network like the ACC or SEC Network. According to the New York Times, “[The Big Ten] has reached the richestever television agreement for a college athletic league, selling the rights to its competitions for an average of at least $1 billion a year.” Ohio State Football Alumni and Big Ten Network announcer, Joshua Perry, sees a bright future for the conference and the network through the addition of USC and UCLA. “The Big Ten Network’s carriage will increase from around 40 football games to a maximum of 50 per year. That will attract more eyeballs, and the network will have more opportunities to air quality matchups,” Perry said. Several other conferences have announced changes to their roster of schools that will go into effect over the next few years. The Southeastern Conference will gain the University of Texas and the University of Oklahoma (OU) from the Big 12 Conference. With the departure of Texas and OU, the Big 12 will gain Brigham-Young University, Cincinnati, and the University of Houston. Whispers of other teams the Big Ten could possibly acquire swept the collegiate sports world, but those rumors have since been silenced. Many were of the opinion that the conference would target more PAC 12 teams such as Oregon, Washington and Stanford, as well as the conference-less Notre Dame. “…Industry sources have indicated the Big Ten is no longer as interested in adding California, Oregon, Stanford and Washington,” CBS Sports reporter, Dennis Dodd, said to the Bleacher Report. The established high-level of competition and rivalries in PAC 12 basketball has also raised questions from sports fans. Staff member and college basketball fan, Daniel Mount, expressed his thoughts on the possible increase in quality and status of Big Ten basketball. “[USC and UCLA] both have coaches that have been around a long time and know what excellence looks like. I believe this will only lead to more quality hires of head coaches and therefore stronger programs throughout the Big Ten,” Mount said. Similarly, Perry believes that the inclusion will only add to the overall quality of athletics within the already elite conference. “The additions of USC and UCLA will instantly increase the competition level and prestige of the conference, both athletically and academically,” Perry said, “...from an athletic standpoint, the conference is in a league of its own.” This is far from the end of conference expansions, and the recent announcements of major changes to some of the NCAA’s biggest and most successful conferences will continue to prompt further change and progression within the collegiate sports sphere, both off and on the feld. sports The Bulletin| PAGE 13 Big ten pockets new teams Written by Emily Cain ‘23 and JD Low ‘25 Designed by Emmy Bush ‘23 For an extended interview with Joshua Perry on conference expansion and a better look into his perspective on this development, visit 3140news.com. On one of the Big Ten media days, Joshua Perry answers questions from reporters. Perry has been involved in the conference since the start of his Ohio State football career. Photo Courtesy: Flickr “[USC and UCLA] are both world class institutions that attract talented students from around the globe... they broaden the footprint of the Big Ten to now include the diverse experiences of big cities.” - JOSHUA PERRY
The Bulletin| PAGE 14 cover story Interact guides students to get involved With the theme of bears giving back to the community, we interviewed Interact Service Club to fnd out what service activities they recommend and the club’s plans. ISC is a club dedicated to contributing to those in need and the general community. Charity and general service is very important in society because not only do you improve others’ lives and happiness, but it helps build empathy and character. The winter is specifcally important for charity, as with the colder seasons those in need require more to keep warm and safe. In the interview, Mr. Gunn gives a lot of guidance for Interact members and students outside the club. He also detailed why he joined, in hopes to inspire others to help the community and join Interact as well. Written by Jocelyn Lawson ‘24 Designed by Emmy Bush ‘23 Q: Why did you decide to lead Interact this year? “I decided to lead interact to continue to make a change here. It's my frst year in the building, I heard it had a good culture, and I just wanted to be part of that culture.” Q: What are some changes you made so far, and what do you hope to change? “I would say changes I’ve made so far are just in submitting your hours and putting more value into the Schoology page. Things we would like to change is letting students give us ideas and events around the community because in the end it’s about them and the things they have to say.” Q: What are some things students have been interested in? “One of our biggest events was Trunk or Treats at the elementary schools and their book fairs, and we also did the Buddy Walk and The Walk to End Alzheimer’s. ” Q: What are Interact’s current goals? “Our current goals are just to continue giving back to the community, we’ve already accumulated 1,600 hours across our service. So just to continue to improve the hours.” Q: With winter coming up, what plans does Interact have going into Dec. and Jan.? “We do a lot with homeless shelters and toy drives for Christmas, so we will continue doing that. Right now [November], we have our sports ball donation drive, so all of those are going to a youth homeless shelter. So a lot of drop-offs and giving food to those in need.” Q: If someone wants to help get involved in the community but doesn’t have the time to work in a soup kitchen or go out somewhere, what are minimal ways students can help? “We have a lot of opportunities on their own time, so one thing we have is called PBJ helpers where you can literally make PB&Js and drop them off, and those actually go to feed the homeless. Then there’s a lot of hours that are short distances because a lot of our events are at elementary schools.” Q: What is your general advice for anyone who wants to help give service, and what are bigger things they can do? “My biggest advice is being the change you want to see in the world, whether that’s joining Service Club or just donating hours of free time. Or donating items because it could help a lot and you never know what type of day someone in need is having.”
cover story The Bulletin| PAGE 15 the bears give back This year, the Bulletin staff wanted to focus on ways that we as Berlin students can give back to our school, district, and community. We wanted to encapsulate this idea in addition to the spirit of the holiday season, which led us to choose our overarching theme of Bears Give Back. As we emerge into the holiday season, we often fnd ourselves in anticipation of the gifts, events, food, activities, and more, however things and people who do not get the same opportunities are often neglected. As a staff we wanted to step away from this for the holiday season and our holiday issue. Bears Give Back can have a variety of meanings. It includes, but is not limited to, service events, donations, awareness, support, and so much more. This year, the Bulletin hosted a movie night on Dec. 8 where we showed The Grinch. Those in attendance were asked to bring two or more canned goods for admission and a refreshment. After the event all canned goods were donated to Common Ground, a free-store and soup kitchen in Delaware. Inside of Berlin there are many opportunities for students to get involved and make a difference this holiday season. Year-round Interact Service Club shares many different service opportunities that members of the club can participate in, such as toy drives and volunteer work at homeless shelters. Outside of Berlin, the district offers many different events and acts of service that students can get involved in. Each year Olentangy Local School hosts the Holiday Help Program. According to Shaytell Taylor, Berlin’s social worker, the program anonymously connects families in need within the district to sponsors. These sponsors can provide things such as food, gift cards, and holiday gifts. The program is also utilized other times throughout the year when needed. “I think it would be great if clubs or different groups of kids raised money and were assigned a family,” Taylor said. There are also service opportunities in the community that students can get involved in. People In Need hosts two service events annually, a Holiday Clearing House and a Coat Barn. Donations from these events have already been fulflled but you can still help with the distribution days for the collected goods which will both take place on Dec. 11. The holidays provide so many opportunities to make a change or to just get involved. If you want to get involved make sure to check on Schoology, social media, and websites such as https://columbusgivesback.org/ volunteer/. Written by Alexandra Downing ‘24 designed by Emmy Bush ‘23
PHOTO SPREAD COMPILED by ashley mallon ‘23 The Bulletin| PAGE 16 Whirl InTO WINTER
PHOTO SPREAD The Bulletin| PAGE 17
The Bulletin| PAGE 18 performing arts Performing Arts crescendo into the winter season This weekend, the performing arts program will showcase their skills to set the tone for this winter season. Collaborated performances with the band, orchestra, and choir will take place on Sunday at 7 p.m. in the auditorium, and will last around one hour. The directors of the three programs are proud to present their musicians’ hard work. The students that will participate in the performances are excited to showcase their pieces to the audience. “It’s a great opportunity for our art departments to collaborate. It will be an hour of jam-packed music,” Choir Director, Mr. Sribanditmongkol said. “Winter Fest” started last year and the performing arts directors plan to continue this new tradition for future years with an emphasis on collaboration and community. “One thing that is different from last year’s performance is that we have so many new people who have joined our choir. I think this will help us be more vocally broadened,” Show Choir member, Amelia Euans ‘24 said. Countless classes and after-school hours have been dedicated to the creation of this performance. Not only did this take craft, it took collaboration among performing arts teachers and students. “It’s a fun way to get all the performing arts ensembles to collaborate. It’s something I look forward to every year,” Band Director, Mr. Reeves said. Since the performing arts combined their performances, they also combined their audiences. This has led to a more interconnected musical community. “I’m excited for all the performing arts groups to get together, the parents too. It’ll be fun just to play with each other and just have fun together,” Jazz Band member, Isabelle Armstrong ‘23 said. With a mixture of ballads, pop, and classic wintry pieces, everyone can stay tuned in throughout the performance. Performances to look forward to include a collaboration between choir and orchestra with “Glow” by Edward Esch and Eric Whitacre, jazz band’s “Winter Wonderland” by Felix Bernard, and concert orchestra’s “Frozen” mashup music and lyrics by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, arranged by Robert Longfeld. “Students should look forward to nonstop winter music,” Orchestra Director, Mrs. Henning-Toops said. The orchestra and choir feature multiple groups within their programs, so the audience can expect a variety of music repertoire. Pieces from Show Choir, Bass Choir, Chamber Orchestra, Concert Orchestra, Jazz Band, and more will be featured in the performance. “I’m excited to perform at the concert and share Chamber Orchestra’s music with my friends and family,” Chamber Orchestra member, Sridurga Karthik ‘24 said. The audience for the performance is not limited to Berlin. Anyone is welcome to enjoy the music and the atmosphere completely free-of-charge. “I’m just excited to share what the Berlin Orchestra is capable of. I know a lot of people from other schools who are planning on coming to check out our concert, so it’s going to be fun sharing our music with people in the community who don’t normally come to our concerts and experience one of my favorite times of the year,” Chamber Orchestra member, Dishant Patel ‘24 said. Written By Audrey Tartaglia ’24 and Marin Himes ‘24 Designed by Emmy Bush ‘23 While she practices her guitar, Annabella Burton Boone ‘24 prepares for Winterfest. As a member of both orchestra and band, she has practiced pieces for both performing arts programs. Photo Courtesy: Audrey Tartaglia ‘24
performing arts The Bulletin| PAGE 19 ava diederich plays to the top Written By Reese Manley ‘24 Designed by Emmy Bush ‘23 Photo Courtesy: Brad Bower Trumpet player Ava Diederich ‘24 became the frst band member from Berlin to join the All State Orchestra. Along with her musical presence in the school, she is a part of multiple different clubs. She is a part of Humanities Club, Global Scholars Club and Environmental Club. Other than the trumpet, Ava has played the piano, violin and oboe throughout her musical career. She played the oboe in fourth grade then switched to the trumpet in ffth grade. She also has played the violin for ten years, and is in the Advanced Treble Ensemble. Ava has been a part of the Pride of the Bears since freshman year which has been a highlight in her highschool career. During the winter, The Pride of the Bears split into two different concert bands , Symphonic and Concert Band. Ava is currently in Berlin’s Symphonic Band, the higher level band. She has played the trumpet for six years, which contributes to her musical success. This orchestra is composed of top players from high schools across Ohio and includes brass, woodwinds and string instruments. According to the OMEA website, Mark Sholl organizes the orchestra to perform for music teachers across the state. Musicians in the orchestra have a limited amount of time to prepare the piece for the performance which tests their musicianship. “It’s three days of rehearsal where I have to leave school and go down to the Columbus Convention Center and rehearse,” Diederich said. “They are going to give us the music ahead of time but we only rehearse for two days before the performance as a group.” Diederich submitted her audition online which included music that proved mastery of the instrument. Players are required to perform a class B (medium advanced) or class A (advanced) solo for the judges. With the rigor of the audition pieces, Diederich practiced the pieces a month or two in advance. Anyone who is involved in band, orchestra and choir can audition for All State. For more information, visit https://www.omea-ohio.org/. “I just want to get the experience of performing in a full orchestra because in a band we don’t have the stringed instruments to play with. I think it would be really cool to just experience a full symphony performance setting.” - Ava diederich ‘24
The Bulletin| PAGE 20 student life Bears bolster pride with historic first Winter Formal I n typical OBHS fashion, the Senior Class Cabinet has decided to plan, organize, and host yet another “historic frst” event for the Bears. The inaugural Berlin Winter Formal will be held in Jan. 2023: Read below for dates, times, and everything else you need to know about it! As the class cabinet approached the upcoming year and began to plan activities for the seniors, their focus remained on how they could maximize the Class of 2023’s experience. As they grew to be keenly aware of the feeting nature of 12th grade, members of cabinet hoped to create as many opportunities as possible for their peers to savor their fnal year together. “Everyone should defnitely come because there are not many moments left where you can enjoy the presence of your classmates. The Class of 2023 is a special one, and we want to celebrate that,” Senior Class Cabinet member, Claire Walker, said. Along with the commitment to help the seniors make memories, Class Cabinet also hopes to create new traditions that will last long after they graduate. This will be Berlin’s frst ever Winter Formal, which will accompany several other special events throughout the year aimed to celebrate the Class of 2023. “We decided to plan a Winter Formal because we wanted to create a new tradition among the senior class. As juniors, our class raised more than enough money to hold this event, and we are excited for this opportunity to make senior year even more memorable,” senior class President, Rozalyn Zielinski, said. Senior Class Cabinet hoped to offer another opportunity for their classmates to dress up for an occasion, similar to Homecoming or Prom, but also wanted to provide a new, specialized night for the senior class flled with activities and prizes. Dinner will be served, as the class cabinet hopes to host a formal, memorable night. “People should dress for a semi-formal event. This attire is similar to what was worn to Homecoming. Some examples include short (cocktail) dresses or dress pants and a dress shirt,” Zielinski said. Written and designed by Emmy Bush ‘23 WHEN: Jan. 15 from 6:30-9:30 p.m. WHERE: villa milano banquet hall WHAT: Dinner + activities (trivia/prizes, photobooth, Just Dance, etc.) WHO: Seniors + a date from any grade or school TICKETS: $25 on sale dec. 10 on shoology
student life The Bulletin| PAGE 21 What’s in your closet? Gould and Rubadue embellish individuality Whether you spot them in the lunchline, on their way to class, or in a hurry to get some last-minute studying done, some Bears catch our eyes for their stellar style. Although fashion may be the last thing on some minds, it can invoke a sense of unmatched passion and creativity for others. Sometimes it’s a funky color, an intricate pattern, or an oddly put-together layered ensemble that grabs our attention, but regardless, the physical individuality within the halls of Berlin is impressive. Among several notable candidates, Natalie Gould ‘23 is always a standout in hallway fashion. Dressed in delicate fabrics and dreamy colors, Gould makes clothing her main expressive outlet. “I’m a pretty reserved person, so instead of talking, I let my fashion do it for me,” Gould said. When it comes to inspiration, Gould thinks outside the Pinterest box that might confne most teenagers. She doesn’t look to celebrities or the hottest trends that plague Instagram. Instead, she looks to her younger self for ideas. “My parents would let me dress myself for preschool, and I would always walk out of the house with the craziest outfts on,” Gould said. “I try to think back to what she would wear.” Self-described as urban and timeless, Gould particularly enjoys thrifted sweaters that are full of personality. Along with dainty hair accessories and her treasured Mary Janes, she leans on staples that can easily transform any outft into something to remember. Another one to watch out for is Colin Rubadue ‘24. Similar to Gould, he fnds comfort in his collection of sweaters, mainly due how easy it is to style them. “The main inspiration for my style comes from my interests,” Rubadue said. “Music and art have always been a big part of my life, so I try to work that into my outfts.” The focal point of fashion has never been about the contentment of others for Rubadue. Instead, he focuses on himself and his own individuality. “If you want to experiment with your style, don’t think about if other people will like your outfts,” Rubadue said. “Just think about if you like them, because that’s all that really matters.” Self-expression can be displayed in a myriad of ways, and fashion is just one way to go. We all know the saying, “Don’t judge a book by its cover,” but there might actually be something to it. The cover can tell us about a person’s interests, passions, and ideas. Of course there’s always something more, but that voluminous, Victorian-style hair bow might be the conversation starter that sparks a discussion about the beauty of individuality. written by elizabeth Koeppen ‘23 designed by ashley mallon ‘23 Photo Courtesy: Natalie Gould ‘23 Photo Courtesy: Natalie Gould ‘23 Photo Courtesy: Natalie Gould ‘23 Photo Courtesy: Colin Rubadue ‘24 Photo Courtesy: Colin Rubadue ‘24
The Bulletin| PAGE 22 Student life Humans of Berlin When do you think the holiday season really starts? written by teresa Barger ‘24 designed by iva horman ‘24 What holiday(s) do you celebrate, and how do you celebrate them? “Probably after Thanksgiving since that’s when you see most people posting about the holidays and their plans.” “Dec. 10 because you need to get past Thanksgiving and have a second to chill before Christmas.” “My family celebrates Christmas and Hanukkah. For Christmas, we usually open presents in the morning and then visit my Grandma. For Hanukkah, my family opens a present every other night of the eight days, and we even light up a little Hanukkah tree.” “I celebrate Christmas, and I celebrate it with my entire extended family coming together and basically hanging out. Every year the kids, which now has turned into teens and early twenties, all play tackle zombie outside.” Aisha waseem ‘23 brody ackermann ‘25 hannah kent ‘24 ian jirousek ‘26
Student life The Bulletin| PAGE 23 Heard in the halls • I can’t get lost because I was never found. • Bro why am I limping so much? Oh I forgot my crutches, nevermind. • I need to unleash my demons. • Are you my appendix because I don’t know what you do or why you’re here, but I feel like I should take you out. • Bro I can smell my barbecue chicken. • Mr. Reeves! You’re alive! • I heard the dryer, and I knew it was you. • Like if I was a chicken I’d cocka doodle ditch that place. • When guys said shawtys tripping they weren’t lying today. [after falling in the bus] • My name is Estavo but you can call me ‘sus.’ • I saw the parmesan cheese at lunch. I didn’t know we’re bougie now. • Stranger Ranger. • He had a mid-life crisis, you know. He’s gonna die one day. • Math is all fun and games until a single question takes up half the page. • This is a conversation between A and B, C your way out. compiled by rachel bjorkman ‘24 designed by iva horman ‘24 What advice do you have for underclassmen about midterms? “Start studying in advance, don’t procrastinate, and don’t stress yourself out to the point where you fall apart on the day of midterms.” “Do your best and study before taking them.” isabelle armstrong ‘23 luke dodd ‘24
The Bulletin| PAGE 24 interactive Berlin bingo: Bears embrace the holiday season The holiday spirit is fnally upon us! Fill in the entire board and get to know your fellow Bears’ holiday festivities and favorites. Be sure to put a different signature in each square. First person to show a flled board to Mrs. Bush in room 2005 will earn a $10 Starbucks card! designed by iva horman ‘24 FREe space Favorite drink is hot chocolate Participates in a holiday charity Likes to stay at home and watch movies Celebrates Kwanzaa Likes to decorate their tree Celebrates Hanukkah Favorite song is “All I Want for Christmas is You” by Mariah Carey Likes to go through the Alum Creek Fantasy of Lights Likes to go caroling Favorite movie is “Christmas Vacation” Likes to make gingerbread houses Favorite movie is “Home Alone” Makes a Christmas list Likes to go Black Friday shopping Likes to make holiday cookies Makes homemade ornaments Likes to play in the snow Favorite movie is “The Grinch” Gives homemade gifts Favorite song is “Mistletoe” by Justin Bieber Likes to go to the Columbus Zoo WildLights Celebrates Christmas Favorite movie is “Elf” Likes to pick out a tree
Community Sponsors The Bulletin| PAGE 25 THANK you to our community sponsors! Happy holidays from the bulletin staff!
The Bulletin| PAGE 26 community sponsors
community sponsors The Bulletin| PAGE 27 shop local shop handmade www.meganleedesigns.com Designer tees you will love! Printed by hand in our studio in Uptown Westerville. 20 E. College Ave, Westerville OH
Olentangy Berlin High School 3140 Berlin Station Road Delaware, Ohio 43015